DOUGLAS COUNTY –Investigators have determined the cause of fire on Monday at the at Brandon Woods senior living residence in Lawrence.
The origin of the fire was determined to be on the 3rd floor balcony deck and the fire extended into the attic of the structure. The cause of the fire was accidental due to improper discarding of smoking material, according to a media release from Lawrence Po.ice.
Forty-eight residential units have been reported as damaged. Approximately 8,200 square feet of roofs have been reported as damaged. Two of the unites are reported to have heavy damage by fire, smoke, and water. Five units have moderate damage by fire, smoke, and water and Five units have minimal damage by smoke and water
Just after noon Monday, crews responded to the fire at the senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence.
Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.
First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department. There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.
Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.
The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.
Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.
One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.
Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.